Bento's program serves about 600 kids from Vidigal who come to play the game they love on a concrete soccer pitch. They also receive tutoring, health care and counseling all as part of his program.

"We are a team that talks about everything," Bento said.

By some estimates, more than 20,000 people live in this favela, or poor community, high above Rio, up narrow, winding roads and down small alleys.

Drug lords used to run the neighborhood, but three years ago, the government flooded the streets with police officers. It was part of a coordinated effort across Rio called pacification, aimed at making favelas safer.